FIA cracks down on hawala hundi network, six arrested

PESHAWAR: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Peshawar Zone has arrested six individuals allegedly involved in illegal currency exchange and Hawala Hundi operations during targeted raids in Mansehra and Charsadda.

According to the FIA spokesperson, the operations were conducted by the Commercial Banking Circle Peshawar and the Composite Circle Abbottabad. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gul Bahadur, Ibaad Gul, Asif Khan, Jamshed, Malikzada, and Naseeb ul Haq.

Also read: FIA Karachi busts ring involved in smuggling newborns abroad

Authorities stated that the accused were operating without a license and were involved in illegal money transfers through Hawala Hundi networks. A total of Rs. 6.2 million in local currency, US dollars, Saudi Riyals, 14 mobile phones, and a vehicle were recovered during the raids. Receipts, registers, and other documents linked to the illegal transactions were also seized.

The FIA added that the accused failed to provide satisfactory responses regarding the recovered cash and materials. An investigation has been initiated.

FIA OPENS LINK OFFICES TO FIGHT HUMAN SMUGGLING

Meanwhile, the FIA has decided to set up link offices in six countries in an effort to curb the rising incidents of human smuggling.

According to official sources, the immigration wing of the agency will establish offices in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy, while one office each will also be opened in Turkey, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

Human smuggling is one of Pakistan’s most pressing challenges, driven by poverty, unemployment, lack of education and political instability. Many Pakistanis risk their lives attempting to reach Europe through dangerous routes, often falling prey to traffickers.

Earlier this year, at least 44 Pakistani migrants lost their lives in a boat tragedy near Spain while attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean illegally.

Also read: FIA to open six link offices abroad to fight human smuggling

FIA sources said that such incidents underscored the urgent need for stricter action against traffickers and more effective migration policies.

The decision to open link offices abroad is part of the action being taken to bust smuggling networks operating from these countries, sources added.